Sawstop table saw

  • Last Updated on September 20, 2021

Wiki

Name: Sawstop 3hp professional tablesaw
Owner: denhac
Training required: Yes

Required Training

denhac members must be authorized by completing a sawstop lesson from one of our volunteer trainers. Post in slack #help-woodworking to inquire about upcoming training. They are currently being scheduled on an as needed basis. You are responsible for your safety, safety of others, and safety of our tools. The sawstop table saw has a built in safety system to reduce injury in the case of an accident. If you trip the emergency brake you will need to pay for a replacement brake cartridge and blade (~$150). Report any activation of the safety system in Slack #help-woodworking. Only denhac sawstop trainers can replace the brake if it goes off or do maintenance.

Table Saw Safety & Instruction Reminders

General:

  • Don’t stand in line with the blade (kickback area)
  • You must use a crosscut sled for small items
  • Never use fence + miter gauge / sled at the same time
  • Use push stick on small pieces
  • Unplug before blade or equipment adjustments 
  • Wait until blade is at complete stop before reaching over to collect wood
  • Don’t cut too close to fence

Before: 

  • Check your material – ONLY wood is allowed.
    • Red blinking light = will 100% trigger brake.
    • Wood that will trigger: Painted wood, Wet/green wood, some pressure treated, Reclaimed wood with nails/metal, Laser cut or burned wood (carbon)
  • Clear and clean work area
  • Alert others around

During:

  1. Turn on dust collection system
  2. Set your blade height ~⅛” above your material.
  3. Rip cut vs Cross cut. Set fence OR sleds/miter. NEVER USE BOTH.
  4. Set your stance. Avoid kickback zone (right of blade).
  5. Finger position check & planning. Need push sticks?
  6. Clear material from red zone. Start saw.
  7. Push all the way though. One smooth motion. 3 points of force: down, to fence, through.
  8. Wait for the blade to fully stop before removing wood.

After:

  • Power switch off.
  • Lower the blade back into the cabinet. Reset blade/guard/riving knife
  • Clean up sawdust and scraps – important to keep clean while you’re working too!
  • Volunteer a few extra few min. to improve or clean the space.

Sawstop basics class – instructor notes and lesson checklist:

  • denhac shop safety rules.
  • Table saws – what they’re good at. What they’re not.
  • Sawstop – Show set off tripped brake.
    • Allowed materials. 
    • Bypass mode is not allowed at denhac for safety concerns. Ask other members for recommended alternative tools if you have a non allowed material..
  • Basics of ripcuts vs cross cuts. Always use Riving knife for rips. Sled/miter for cross. Rip cut vs Cross cut. Set fence OR sleds/miter. NEVER USE BOTH. Never freehand.
  • Instructor and trainee demonstration for a rip & cross with sled.
  • Don’t perform maintenance yourself. How to communicate maintenance or accidents.
  • Complex cuts, angles / bevel = do your research before attempting.
  • Review general tablesaw safety poster, allowed materials, questions.

Authorize trainees using members using slack /membership command.

We teach the basics of operation for this tool. Woodworking lessons at external organizations such as Rockler, Denver Tool Library, Red Rocks community college, as well as woodworking and safety research on your own is encouraged.

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